Metabolic Syndrome and Its Effects on CKD

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk for heart disease and other health problems, including kidney disease. People with metabolic syndrome have a higher risk of developing kidney pain.
There are five conditions that make up metabolic syndrome: excessive weight or obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood), and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which is often called the “good” cholesterol.

Metabolic Syndrome and CKD

Metabolic syndrome can have significant effects on chronic kidney disease (CKD). People with metabolic syndrome are more likely to have a faster decline in kidney function and are at increased risk for kidney failure.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing metabolic syndrome. However, the following lifestyle changes can help:

• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels
• Monitor cholesterol levels
• Quit smoking, if you smoke

If you have metabolic syndrome, it is important to talk to your health care provider about how to best manage the condition in order to better prevent/ avoid the negative health consequences, including CKD.

Risks of Metabolic Syndrome

People with metabolic syndrome are at risk for kidney failure, heart attack, and stroke. If you have metabolic syndrome, it’s important to work with your health care provider to manage your conditions. You may need to make changes to your diet, start exercising, and take medication to help control your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

If you have kidney pain, it’s important to get it checked out by a healthcare provider. Kidney pain can be a sign of another issue or complication, such as metabolic syndrome or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Early diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease can help prevent kidney failure.

Talk With Your Health Care Provider About CKD

If you have metabolic syndrome, it’s important to get regular checkups with your health care provider to make sure that your conditions are under control. Regular checkups can help to prevent problems such as kidney pain.

Managing metabolic syndrome can be difficult, but it is important to do so in order to protect your health. If you have any questions or concerns about metabolic syndrome, CKD, or other health concerns, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider or contact the health experts at Texas Kidney Institute today! Our team of experts can provide you with the information and help you need to prevent further complications down the road.